Postal workers strike over ‘bullying’ claims

Dominic Collis

Postal workers in Burnley are to go on strike tomorrow (Saturday) in protest at the dismissal of two colleagues.

A former worker claimed to the Express that “a culture of bullying” exists at the Royal Mail sorting office in Bank Parade.

More than 100 members of the Communication Workers Union will walk out after voting “overwhelmingly” for industrial action.

The former worker told the Express: “The situation at the Burnley sorting office has been very bad for several months now.

“A lot of bullying has taken place and a number of workers have been dismissed.”

Mr Carl Webb, the North-West regional secretary of the CWU, confirmed that the dispute was “a local issue”.

He said: “This is a local dispute over an individual who has been dismissed pending an appeal, and another worker who has been dismissed and is currently appealing that decision. On a wider issue there has been an issue across the country regarding bullying and harassment which we are now working with Royal Mail to address. This will include our representatives and those from Royal Mail visiting offices to look at accusations of bullying.”

Royal Mail director Mr Adrian Fielding said: “It is disappointing that our colleagues have voted in favour of industrial action.

“However, we continue to talk locally and we are fully committed to the process of trying to resolve concerns of postal workers based in Burnley, by continuing to follow the national jointly agreed framework with the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

“We urge the CWU not to call our people out on strike action, which can only hurt our customers and damage our drive to build a strong and sustainable future for Royal Mail.”